COLUMN: Events of Historical Note

Matthew Urtz

On Wednesday, April
3, at 6 p.m., the Chittenango Landing Canal Boat Museum will host “Paint Time with
Lisa.” In this two-hour class, local artist Lisa Billington will offer
step-by-step directions to create the featured painting. By the end of the night,
you will have your own masterpiece that you created. Bring a beverage and a friend.
Attendees must be 21 years old. Registration is $40 and must be made by March 27.
For more information or to register, call 315.687.3801, email info@clcbm.org or visit chittenangolanding.com.

On Thursday, April
4, at 9:30 a.m., the Chittenango Landing Canal Boat Museum will host an education
training meeting. Thinking about volunteering? The museum is seeking
adults to work as museum educators in their award-wining, hands-on museum education
program. This program will give potential volunteers and aides an overview of their
responsibilities and prepare them to work in upcoming programs. For more
information, email programs@clcbm.org
or call 315.687.3801.

On Friday, April
5, at 6:30 p.m., the Morrisville Public Library will host a special presentation
by Madison County Historian Matthew Urtz on the ongoing Madison County Courthouse
Renovations. Urtz will speak about some of the unique architectural features,
stories from the journal of builder HB Peckham and the upcoming grand re-opening
celebration that will be held May 25, 2019. There is no charge for this event. For
more information, call 315.684.9130.

On Saturday, April
6, at 1 p.m., the Madison County Historical Society welcomes Joe DiGiorgio, who
will present “Take a Walk Back in History.” DiGiorgio will look at Canastota’s
contributions to the Erie Canal, commerce, industry and agriculture. The Erie Canal
transformed a small settlement into a thriving industrial and farming place. DiGiorgio
is a retired social studies teacher and is president of the Canastota Canal Town
Corporation. There is no charge for this event; donations are appreciated. For more
information, call 315.363.4136 or email history@mchs1900.org.

On Wednesday, April
10, from 10 to 11 a.m. the Chittenango Landing Canal Boat Museum will host its monthly
“Coffee with Friends.” New and current volunteers and community members
are encouraged to come in, reconnect and learn about opportunities available at
the museum. Madison County historian will present Industries along Chittenango Creek,
which looks at 19th-century industries that utilized water power from the creek.
There is no charge for this event. For more information, visit chittenangolanding.com.

On Wednesday, April
10, at 7 p.m., the Erieville/Nelson Heritage Society will host a “Bring your Historical
item and tell its story event” at the Nelson Town Office Building following a
brief business meeting followed by the event. Attendees are encouraged to bring
a historical item related to Erieville or Nelson to share with the group. There
is no charge for this event. For more information, contact Kevin Davies at 315.655.3298.

On Wednesday, April
10, at 6:30 p.m., the Clay Historical Association will host a special presentation
by “Mr. Bluebird” John Roberts. Rogers will present on the life history
of the Eastern Bluebird. The presentation will talk about next box management, other
birds that will utilize bluebird boxes and more. There is no charge for this event.
For more information, call Cindy at 315.927.7573.

On Wednesday, April
10, at 6 p.m., the Onondaga Historical Association will host the first session of
a reading and discussion series entitled “Lincoln on the Civil War.”
Sponsored by Humanities, NY join Robert J. Searing, Curator of History, in discussions
that will explore the complexities of the bloodiest conflict in the Republic’s history
through a reading and analysis of President Lincoln’s writings and speeches. There
are only 12 spots, and registration is required. To reserve your spot or for more
information, contact Robert J. Searing at 315.428.1864 ext. 310 or email Robert.searing@cny.history.org.

On Thursday, April
11, at 7 p.m., the Cazenovia Public Library will host a special presentation entitled
“Tales from the Dry Docks: Mules, Boats & Blacksmiths.” Chittenango
Landing Canal Boat Museum resident blacksmith Mike Allen will share fascinating
stories about the landing, the Erie Canal and the people and animals that made it
work. There is no charge for this event. For more information, call 315.655.9322.

On Saturday, April
13, from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., the Oneida County History Center will host special
“Roots Genealogy Workshop” with Pamela Vittorio. Professional Genealogist
Pamela Vittorio will lead this two-part workshop which will help attendees search
out their family roots using traditional and hidden resources. Part 1: Unlocking
the Mystery in Your Family Tree will explore hidden resources including photos heirlooms
and other artifacts can be used to contribute to your story. Part 2: “Fantastic
Records and Where to Find Them” explains how you can utilize canal records to find
information on your family members that worked along the Erie Canal. Registration
is $10 for Oneida County Historic Center Members and $15 for non-members. Door prizes
and light refreshments will be offered. To reserve your spot or for more
information, contact Rebecca McLain at rmmclain@oneidaocuntyhistory.org
or call 315.735.3642.

On Monday, April 15,
at 7 p.m., the Town of Madison Historical Society will host a special presentation
entitled the “Madison County Courthouse then and now.” Madison County
Historian Matthew Urtz will speak about the construction of the original courthouse
as seen through the journals of HB Peckham, construction foreman. He will also talk
about the modern renovation and efforts to preserve the courthouses historic characteristics.
There is no charge for this event. For more information, call 315.366.2453.

On Thursday, April
16, at 9:30 a.m., the Chittenango Landing Canal Boat Museum will host an education
training meeting. Thinking about volunteering? The museum is seeking
adults to work as museum educators in their award-wining, hands-on museum education
program. This program will give potential volunteers and aides an overview of their
responsibilities and prepare them to work in upcoming programs. For more
information, email programs@clcbm.orgor
call 315.687.3801.

On Tuesday, April
16, at 5 p.m., the first “History Where you Eat” tour of the spring will
take place at Ye Olde Landmark Tavern in Bouckville. Local historian
and author Jim Ford will tell some of the infamous stories and take you into places
that you have probably never seen inside one of Madison County’s most unique buildings.
The tour is limited to 30 people so reserve your spot quickly because this tour
is sure to fill up. To reserve your spot or for more information, call 315.893.1810.

On Tuesday, April
16, at 6 p.m., the Chittenango Landing Canal Boat Museum will host its monthly Tuesday
Talks series with guest speaker Bill Maxiam who will present “Poland-Remnants of
the Holocaust.” Maxian will talk about his 2016 trip to Poland, recording
the Jewish Ghetto in Warsaw, the Museum and remains of the Auschwitz-Birkenau Concentration
Camp in Oswiecim. Admission is free for Chittenango Landing Members and $5 for all
others. For more information, visit chittenangolanding.com or call 315.687.3801.

On Wednesday, April
17, at 7 p.m., the Canastota Canal Town Museum welcomes the Interfaith Works of
Central New York to the Canastota Library for the presentation “Immigration Experience
for New Americans.” Come and here about what it is like for immigrants
moving their life to a new country. There is no charge for this event. For more
information, call 315.697.7030.

On Wednesday, April
17, at 6:30 p.m., the Skaneateles Public Library will host a special presentation
by Bob Searing entitled “Gustav Stickley and Syracuse Arts & Crafts Legacy.”
Searing, Curator of History for the Onondaga Historical Association, will explore
the great traditions that developed early in the 20th century that made Syracuse
a center for the national arts and crafts movement. Searing will review the story
of Gustav Stickley and touch on the contributions of architect Ward Wellington Ward,
stained glass craftsman Henry Keck and the artists of Syracuse China. There is no
charge for this event. For more information, call 315.685.5135 or visit skaneateleslibrary.org.

On Saturday, April
20, from 7 to 10 p.m., the Town of Madison Historical Society will host a country
music dance at the society’s building at 3606 South St., Madison, featuring live
music from Double Chase. Come and enjoy a night out featuring country
line and square dancing. Refreshments will be available for purchase. Suggested
donation is $8; all proceeds benefit the Town of Madison Historical Society. For
more information, contact Susan Anderson by phone at 315.893.7226 or by email at
sgrandmanderson@yahoo.com.

On Monday, April 22,
the Oneida Community Mansion house will host a special event for Earth Day at the
Mansion House. Come and hike the pathway around Sunset Lake and pitch
in to take care of the environment as part of the annual spring clean-up. More information
to come. For more information, visit oneidacommunity.org or call 315.363.0745.

On Wednesday, April
24, at 6 p.m., the Onondaga Historical Association will host the second session
of a reading and discussion series entitled “Lincoln on the Civil War.”
Sponsored by Humanities, NY join Robert J. Searing, curator of history, in discussions
that will explore the complexities of the bloodiest conflict in the Republic’s history
through a reading and analysis of President Lincoln’s writings and speeches. There
are only 12 spots, and registration is required. To reserve your spot or for more
information, contact Robert J. Searing at 315.428.1864 ext. 310 or email Robert.searing@cny.history.org.

On Thursday, April
25, at 6:30 p.m., the Town of Marshall Historical Society will host a special presentation
on the Verona Glass Factories. Sheila Hoffman of Verona will talk about
the size and significance of the glass factories in New York state. There is no
charge for this event. For more information, email marshallhistory17@gmail.com.

On Saturday, April
27, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. the Chittenango Landing Canal boat Museum will host its
annual Clean Sweep. Help the museum prepare for the new visitor and education
season by doing a variety of clean-up projects inside the buildings and on the grounds.
To assist, call coordinator Donna Lynch at 315.247.9253 or email danmlynch@verizon.net.

On Sunday, April 28,
the Oneida Community Mansion house will host a special event for Arbor at the Mansion
House. Nature based activities and demonstrations for all ages. More
information to come. For more information, visit oneidacommunity.org or
call 315.363.0745.

On Tuesday, April
30, the second “History Where you Eat” tour of the spring will take place
at The Brewster Inn in Cazenovia. There will be two tours, the first
at 4:30 p.m., and the second at 6:30 p.m. Madison County Historian Matthew Urtz
will tell some of the stories about the Brewer family and the building. Members
of the Brewster Inn staff will take you into places that you have probably never
seen inside one of Madison County’s most-storied buildings. The tours are limited
in size, so reserve your spot quickly because they are sure to fill up. To reserve
your spot or for more information, call 315.655.9232.

On Tuesday, April
30, at 7 p.m., the Limestone Ridge Historical Society will have a special presentation
on The Brass Lily Bed & Breakfast. Owners Kathryn Rockholz and Eric
Goodman will present on the 1882 Victorian Home, its history and how it became a
bed and breakfast. There is no charge for this event. For more information, call
315.821.7819.

On Wednesday, May
1, at 7 p.m., the Clay Historical Association will host a special presentation by
Stickley Furniture Corporate Historian Mike Daniel. Daniel will present
his experiences working for the company as a woodworker and finisher for 44 years,
showcasing a unique insider’s look at the famous furniture producer. There is no
charge for this event. For more information, call Cindy at 315.927.7573.

On Friday, May 3,
at 6:30 p.m., the Morrisville Public Library welcomes Railroad Historian John Taibi.
Taibi will present “Railroading in the Stockbridge Valley.” Taibi will talk about
the O&W railroad between Oneida and Whites Corner past the station that is now
his home in Munnsville. There is no charge for this event. For more
information, call 315.684.9130.

On Wednesday, May
8, from 10 to 11 a.m., the Chittenango Landing Canal Boat Museum will host their
monthly “Coffee with Friends.” New and current volunteers and community
members are encouraged to come in, reconnect and learn about opportunities available
at the museum. There is no charge for this event. For more information, visit chittenangolanding.com.

On Wednesday, May
8, at 7 p.m., the Erieville/Nelson Heritage Society will host a special presentation
by John Taibi on railroads at the at the Erieville Fire Station. Following
a brief business meeting Taibi, a railroad historian and author, will talk about
local railroads. There is no charge for this event. For more information, contact
Kevin Davies at 315.655.3298.

On Wednesday, May
8, at 6 p.m., the Onondaga Historical Association will host a the third session
of a reading and discussion series entitled “Lincoln on the Civil War.”
Sponsored by Humanities, NY join Robert J. Searing, curator of history, in discussions
that will explore the complexities of the bloodiest conflict in the Republic’s history
through a reading and analysis of President Lincoln’s writings and speeches. There
are only 12 spots, and registration is required. To reserve your spot or for more
information, contact Robert J. Searing at 315.428.1864 ext. 310 or email Robert.searing@cny.history.org.

On Thursday, May
9, at 6:30 p.m., the Tromptown Historical Society will host a special presentation
entitled the “Madison County Courthouse then and now.” Madison County
Historian Matthew Urtz will speak about the construction of the original courthouse
as seen through the journals of HB Peckham, Construction Foreman. He will also talk
about the modern renovation and efforts to preserve the courthouses historic characteristics.
There is no charge for this event. For more information, call 315.366.2453.

On Saturday, May 11,
from 1 to 5 p.m., the Smithfield Community
Association will provide a workshop during preservation month that will focus on
windows and exterior maintenance. More information to come. For more
information, call at 315.280.8828 or email nahofm1835@gmail.com.

On Monday, May 13,
at 6:30 p.m., the Hamilton Public Library will host a special presentation entitled
the “Madison County Courthouse then and now.” Madison County Historian
Matthew Urtz will speak about the construction of the original courthouse as seen
through the journals of HB Peckham, Construction Foreman. He will also talk about
the modern renovation and efforts to preserve the courthouses historic characteristics.
There is no charge for this event. For more information, call 315.684.9130.

On Wednesday, May
15, at 6:30 p.m., the Skaneateles Public Library will host a special presentation
by Bob Searing entitled “Springs, Lakes & Reservoirs: The History of Syracuse’s
Water System.” Searing, Curator of History for the Onondaga Historical
Association, will look at the history of Syracuse water prior to the 1890s water
project to draw from Skaneateles Lake. There is no charge for this event. For more
information, call 315.685.5135 or visit skaneateleslibrary.org.

On Thursday, May 16,
at 6:30 p.m., the Town of Marshall Historical Society will host a special presentation
on the Loomis Gang. Kelly Falk will talk about the family of outlaws
who operated out of nearby Waterville in the 19th century. There is no charge for
this event. For more information, email marshallhistory17@gmail.com.

On Saturday, May 18,
from 7 to 10 p.m., the Town of Madison Historical Society will host a country music
dance at the society’s building at 3606 South St., Madison, featuring live music
from Double Chase. Come and enjoy the last dance of the season featuring
country line and square dancing. Refreshments will be available for purchase. Suggested
donation is $8; all proceeds benefit the Town of Madison Historical Society. For
more information, call Susan Anderson at 315.893.7226 or by email at sgrandmanderson@yahoo.com.

On Sunday, May 19,
at 2 p.m., the Oakwood Cemetery will host a special Cemetery Tour called “Bivouac
of the Dead: Civil War Veterans in the G.A.R. Plot.” Sue Greenhagen will
portray 19th-century undertaker Austin K. Hoyt to introduce attendees to some of
the 213 men who fought for the Union Army during the war. All tours are rain or
shine but will be cancelled for thunder and lightning. There is no charge for the
tours but donations are encouraged. Tours start at the entrance near Comstock Avenue.
For more information, call 315.684.3418.

On Monday, May 20,
at 7 p.m., the Clay Historical Association will host a special presentation by local
historian Joyce Mill on the “History of Old Liverpool Road.” Mill will
talk about the business, agricultural and individual history of the historical road.
The talk will touch on Moyer Carriage, Ward Wellington Ward, a candle factory, Holstein
cattle and more. There is no charge for this event. For more information, call Cindy
at 315.927.7573.

On Tuesday, May 21,
at 6:30 p.m., the Cazenovia Public Library will host a special presentation entitled
the “Madison County Courthouse then and now.” Madison County Historian
Matthew Urtz will speak about the construction of the original courthouse as seen
through the journals of HB Peckham, construction foreman. He will also talk about
the modern renovation and efforts to preserve the courthouses historic characteristics.
There is no charge for this event. For more information, call 315.684.9130.

On Wednesday, May
22, at 6 p.m., the Onondaga Historical Association will host a the final session
of a reading and discussion series entitled “Lincoln on the Civil War.”
Sponsored by Humanities, NY join Robert J. Searing, curator of history, in discussions
that will explore the complexities of the bloodiest conflict in the Republic’s history
through a reading and analysis of President Lincoln’s writings and speeches. There
are only twelve spots, and registration is required. For more information, contact
Robert J. Searing at 315.428.1864 ext. 310 or email Robert.searing@cny.history.org.

On Saturday May 25
the Madison County Courthouse will have a grand re-opening celebration.
Following an 18-month renovation, the Madison County Courthouse will reopen with
tours, fireworks, live music, Madison County vendors and more. More information
to come.